Reflections: Faith Over Fear

As of recent events, many of us have been facing challenges in our daily lives that are making us question everything.

We are living in a very confusing and threatening era in time. Seeing our Muslim brothers and sisters be humiliated, denied access to basic human rights, and even killed, is sadly becoming a “normal” thing.

It is a natural reaction for us to fear for our safety and well being amongst all of the atrocities occurring domestically and abroad. However, this is a very unique time as we as Muslims and as human beings are being tested. It is important to remember that Allah (SWT) knew that this unqualified, ignorant individual (let’s refer to him as DT to avoid using his name) was going to be appointed president of the United States. This is all part of Allah (SWT)’s plan. Does this mean we should just accept it as it is and not fight back? No way. This means that we must resist, fight for our rights and the rights of others, and become closer to Allah (SWT). The Quran itself says:

“O you who have believed, be persistently standing firm in justice, witnesses for Allah , even if it be against yourselves or parents and relatives. Whether one is rich or poor, Allah is more worthy of both. So follow not [personal] inclination, lest you not be just. And if you distort [your testimony] or refuse [to give it], then indeed Allah is ever, with what you do, Acquainted.” Surah An-Nisa [4:135]

With everything happening so fast and with full impact, it’s easy to feel helpless and out of control. It’s easy to feel like practicing Islam is becoming increasingly difficult. This only means that we must try even harder to hold on to our faith. I can’t help but think of the hadith that reiterates that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “The people will see a time of patience in which someone adhering to his religion will be as if he were grasping a hot coal.”Although we do not know exactly what specific time the prophet was referring to, we should still have patience and hold steadfast to our faith, with all of the strength we have.

Islam is the most important thing we have right now. Although sometimes it may feel hard to pray or even ask Allah (SWT) for help amongst all of this chaos and hopelessness, we must remember that He is our only hope throughout all of this. We must continually resist and stand up for what’s right, but we mustn’t forget about Allah (SWT) along the way.

We should also take note of the many beautiful blessings that are being bestowed upon us right in front of our eyes. As a result of all this madness, people are united. Muslims are praying at airports and people who are protesting with them are cheering them on and even protecting them. We have become so used to Islamophobia that this outpour of support is overwhelming to say the least. The United States’ president is so scared of religion that prayer has become a form of resistance. This isn’t the first time something of this nature has happened in favor of Islam. After the tragedy that struck us in September 2001, many people picked up the Quran in an attempt to find hate, but all they ended up finding was love and true exceptional guidance. Allah (SWT) has His ways to open up people’s eyes to how peaceful Islam and Muslims are. Allah (SWT) is the best of planners and insha’Allah good will come out of this. Don’t lose hope, sisters and brothers.

It’s okay to be afraid sometimes, but never allow yourself to be consumed by that fear. Don’t allow anything or anyone in this dunya to take hold of your faith. Allah (SWT) directly tells us, “And fear none but Me.” (Al-Baqarah 2:40). Let’s continue to be unapologetically and fearlessly Muslim in the best ways we can.